Soon to be New Ball Python Owner (Husbandry Questions)

[Ghouyei]

So, I'm getting a Killer Spinner Lesser Ball Python. I payed him off already and he's coming from Hard Wired Exotics, only 150 grams, not even a pound yet. He's going to be the first snake I've ever owned so I'm wondering if I have everything I need? I know for sure there's definitely one thing I need to replace.

I have:

• Aspen bedding - I read it wasn't a good bedding, and that I should get the Zoo Med Eco Earth with the coconut in it? From what I've read, Aspen bedding has dust in it or something that can hurt the snake? There's also the fact that I heard coconut is easier to control humidity with and whatnot versus Aspen bedding?
• Mini deep dome lamp fixture - I also heard these aren't necessary as Ball Pythons rely on belly heat. However, I was hoping to keep it for aesthetic purposes? Such as, just for lighting?
• Thermometer for cool side
• Thermometer & Hygrometer for hot side
• Two hides, one for hot side and one for cool side
• Reptisafe instant terrarium water conditioner
• Naturalistic Flora
• Tongs
• Reptitherm UTH
• Mini dust pan and broom set
• Digital heat mat thermostat controller

Is there anything else I need?

[Ghouyei]

Also, a 20 gallon tank since I know Ball pythons are shy and tend to become stressed in large tanks.

[Ghouyei]

Forgot to add I have a water dish too.

[tttaylorrr]

welcome to the forum!!! you're off to a great start, as i see you have a thermostat listed.

the lamp needs to be on its own thermostat/rheostat as well. all heat sources must be regulated.

no aspen. aspen is very dry and, for a tropical species, is not good for ball pythons. use a coconut fiber substrate like you mentioned.

water conditioner is not necessary. if you can safely drink from your tap, then use regular ol' tap water.

i'd also invest in a spray bottle! very handy during sheds or if the humidity gets too low.

[tttaylorrr]

Also, a 20 gallon tank since I know Ball pythons are shy and tend to become stressed in large tanks.

you might come to find that your new buddy thinks a 20gal is too big! it's common for young beeps in 20gal enclosures to become stressed out by the space, but as long as you provide enough security (plenty of tight-fitting hides, plants and ground cover for sneaking) they should do just fine.

[Ghouyei]

welcome to the forum!!! you're off to a great start, as i see you have a thermostat listed.

the lamp needs to be on its own thermostat/rheostat as well. all heat sources must be regulated.

no aspen. aspen is very dry and, for a tropical species, is not good for ball pythons. use a coconut fiber substrate like you mentioned.

water conditioner is not necessary. if you can safely drink from your tap, then use regular ol' tap water.

i'd also invest in a spray bottle! very handy during sheds or if the humidity gets too low.

Sorry for the late reply! I've been very busy!
I bought two 24-quart bags of the coconut fiber substrate. I had literally ordered them on Friday and despite Chewy.com saying it would take 5-8 business days for them to deliver it, it was delivered the next day! I was really surprised, but it works out for me since I'm going on vacation starting this Tuesday. When I come back is when my snake will be shipped. ^^

As for the lamp, I meant getting a ceramic bulb that's just used for lighting, not the actual heat bulb as I wouldn't want my snake to burn and I heard they're not really necessary since snakes need belly heat. However, I bought another rheostat/thermostat anyways just in case you meant I'd need it for the ceramic bulb too. If that's not the case, I'll just keep it as a backup.

Really? That's great to hear! I always heard people said a water conditioner was a MUST and that a snake shouldn't drink tap water, but since I know it's safe then it makes things much easier for me.

I have a spray bottle already. I actually have a couple. At some point, when I save up money, I'm probably going to see if I can get a mister for him. It'd be nice if there was some kind of machine that detected if the humidity got too low so it would automatically mist the vivarium, but doing it by hand isn't difficult either so oh well.

[Godzilla78]

There is no such thing as too large an enclosure. They just need good hides and cover. I have my small baby python in a huge 3’ x 2’ floor tub and he is happy since it is dark and there are three different caves for him to choose from.


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[Godzilla78]

6 month old ball python enclosure.
Which hide is he in? He uses all of them at different times. Other times he is hanging out on top of one or out in the open.



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[Godzilla78]

There he is, with a 47 gram rat in his belly! (I ran out of rat pups).


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